A Multipurpose Foveated PAL Optic Based on Humanoid PAL
Abstract
This report results from a contract tasking OPTOPAL Panoramic Metrology Consulting as follows: The contractor will investigate advancements to the PAL optic from earlier research (SPC 014009) which developed the design principles of a catadioptric imaging block, called the Panoramic Annular Lens (PAL). PAL delivers a 360-degree panoramic view of the 3D environment surrounding the optic. Advanced optic modeling indicated that a well-defined cylindrical volume around the optical axis of the PAL imaging block is not essential to formation of the ring-shaped panoramic image. This suggested that removal of part of the reflective coating of the concave surface around the optical axis would give a transparent view down the optical axis. A straightforward-looking optic (SFLO) mounted on the optical axis of PAL then allows an image to be displayed where no optical information is otherwise present. A rotating, inclined mirror placed in the optical axis allows steering of the SFLO to any portion of the 360-degree ring-shaped panoramic image. This is called the Humanoid PAL (or HPAL, foveated PAL) because it acts similar to human vision creating a foveal image allowing extraction of more detailed optical data.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 13, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA425183
Entities
People
- Edith M. Greguss
- Pal Greguss Jr